Maternal and Child Health service

There are 3 components of the MCH Service. These include: • The Universal MCH Service• The Enhanced MCH Service • The MCH Line a 24 hour advice line staffed by MCH nurses.

The Universal MCH service delivers a free service for all families with young children from birth to school age. The service aims to promote the health, development and wellbeing of children by offering families information, advice and support, with an emphasis on parenting, health promotion and education, illness and disease prevention, early detection and referral to early intervention for improved outcomes. The MCH service provides advice and assistance with:

Maternal health and wellbeing, including adjustment to parenthood and postnatal depression

Parent/child relationships

Family planning

Nutrition

Immunisation

Parenting and social support, including first time parents' groups

Childhood illnesses

Safety

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service receives notification from the hospital of a birth within the Alpine Shire. The MCH nurse makes contact with the family to arrange a home visit. At the home visit regular follow up appointments will be made for you and your baby to visit your local MCH centre. Alternatively, if you have moved to the Alpine Shire please see below for contact information.

The Enhanced MCH service is an additional service offered to families with children from birth to school age who may require some further support. On occasions the Universal MCH nurse may refer families who are experiencing difficulties to the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Service. This is also a free home visiting service.

The MCH Line is a 24 hour advice and support telephone service. This is a state wide service which is staffed by MCH Nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including public holiday’s on 132 229.

In addition, the service is available on alternate Tuesday evenings by appointment.

The service is staffed by nurses with general nursing, midwifery and maternal and child health qualifications

Recommended key visitsIt is recommended that all children attend the maternal and child health centre for assessment at:2 weeks4 weeks8 weeks4 months8 months12 months18 months2 years and3 ½ years.

These ages are important in a child's development. However families are welcome to access the service at any other time by telephone or by visiting a centre by making arrangements with the nurse.

Calendar of Activities

This calendar provides families with children in the Alpine Shire with a daily schedule of children’s activities and includes information on Maternal & Child Health session times, Playgroup, Toy Library hours, children’s activities offered at the local libraries, Council Immunisation sessions, Breastfeeding Support Groups, Pram Walking Groups and various other groups and activities.

Free Immunisations

Council runs immunisation clinics on a monthly basis at the alternate venues of Myrtleford, Bright and Mount Beauty. Immunisation is available free of charge for children for the standard childhood vaccines, and adults (for particular vaccinations only).

All vaccines are administered by accredited nurses. Parents are invited to attend any council session to receive vaccinations.

Please ensure that your Medicare card and your child's health record book is brought to the session for updating. We also request that you wait for 15 minutes after vaccinations.

The standard immunisation schedule is available directly from the Department of Health's National Immunisation Program Schedule factsheet.

For more detailed information on vaccines available, fact sheets, reactions and other information visit the Department of Health immunisation information page.

Council offers a free immunisation service, a full schedule for 2017 is available here.

Municipal Early Years Plan

The 2012 - 2016 Municipal Early Years Plan (MEYP) sets out strategic directions to provide the Alpine Shire's youngest residents with the best possible start to life.

The document builds on the 2005 MEYP, from which a number of major goals have been achieved, including the development and opening of a new children's centre in Mount Beauty and opening of a new integrated early years service in Bright.

A number of key priorities are outlined in the 2012 - 2016 MEYP, which outlines the development and coordination of early education, care and health services, activities and other local developments for young children.

Alpine Children's Services Inc.

Alpine Children’s Services (ACS) is a non-profit incorporated association, responsible for the majority of childcare and education for preschool-aged children in the Alpine Shire. A committee of management controls and manages the business and operations of Alpine Children's Services.

Child care centresChild care centres provide full-time and part-time long day care for children aged six weeks to six years.

Childcare provides a caring and educational program promoting the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of the child.

Qualified staff have a range of training and experience and offer programs which are sensitive to the needs, cultural background and values of families.

What is long day care?Long day care is a centre-based form of childcare service. Long day care services provide quality all-day or part-time care for children of working families and the general community.

Each of the three centres managed by Alpine Children’s Services are rated as ‘high quality’ through the national childcare accreditation system.

A long day care centre operates extended hours to provide support to families who work or study.

Long day care is also available to non-working/studying parents requiring a ‘break’ or for socialisation/education for their children.

The long day care services operated by Alpine Children’s Services provide care for 50 hours per week, five days per week for at least 48 weeks of the year.

Children can attend a long day care centre part-time or full-time depending on the requirements of the family and availability of care. Full day, half day and respite (9 am to 3.30 pm) sessions are available.

Long day care centres provide a safe environment where children can play, learn and develop in their formative years.

In partnerships with families, long day care centres nurture a child’s development through sensitive guidance and extensive opportunities for play.

Children have the opportunity to play in groups and to spend time alone.

Fees are determined according to family income and are subsidised by the Australian Government through the Child Care Benefit scheme.

Family Day Care

What is family day care?A family day care service can provide flexible care, including all-day care, part-time, casual, before and after school care, and care during school holidays.

Family Day Care offers individual attention to children in a small group setting and combines the benefits of other child care options with the warmth and intimacy of growing up at home.

Carers ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children in their care while working with families to provide excellent care experiences for children. They often develop long-term relationships with families and provide a link with community, care and education services.

To request family day care or if you are interested in becoming a Care Provider, please phone the Family Day Care Team Leader at Lyndhurst Family Day Care on (03) 5750 1367.

Parents play an important role in the day to day administration of child care centres as members of the volunteer Committee of Management, and by participating in child care programs. Discuss these options with the centre Team Leader or the Manager of Alpine Children’s Services on enrolment of your child.

Playgroups

What is a playgroup?Playgroups provide parents and caregivers with the opportunity to meet new people, gain support and exchange parenting ideas. They allow babies, toddlers and preschoolers to socialise as they play and learn together. All playgroups are different but the emphasis is on fun and friendship. Visit Playgroup Victoria